Generation Reinvention # 18: Laughing Our Way to A Spectacular, Incredible … Old Age

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Many fondly remember The Golden Girls, an American sitcom that originally aired on NBC from September 14, 1985, to May 9, 1992. This show stands today as one of the best examples of levity about aging without being ageist. With remarkable humor and characters, the show addressed the potential and pitfalls of modern aging. The characters dealt with important topical issues such as the coming out of Blanche’s brother, safe sex, empty-nest syndrome, ageism, sexism, chronic fatigue syndrome, organ donation, domestic violence, problem gambling, artificial insemination, animal rights, the homeless, and dementia.

The Golden Girls won many awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series twice. It also won three Golden Globes for outstanding TV series comedy/musical.  All four stars each received an Emmy Award throughout the series’ run and had multiple nominations. It also ranked among the top ten highest-rated programs for six out of its seven seasons. It has been listed as one of the greatest and most influential shows of all time.

My guest this time is Marc Sotkin, formerly head writer for The Golden Girls.  He began his writing career in 1976 and has been a staff writer and producer on more than 350 episodes of various situation comedies for every television network. His credits also include Laverne & Shirley, as well as co-writing and producing two Garry Shandling specials for Showtime. He has been honored with multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and Cable Ace award nominations and has won a prestigious Writers Guild Award.

But this is a Boomer comedy writer who has reinvented himself. Presently, he appears in his weekly Boomer Alley videos (http://boomeralley.com). In addition he hosts Boomer Alley Radio (http://boomeralleyradio.com) which airs weekly in Los Angeles on CBS affiliate KFWB, across Colorado on the Radio Colorado Network, and is podcast to the universe.

VISIT MARC SOTKIN’S WEBSITE

http://boomeralley.com

http://boomeralleyradio.com